Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, the former General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), breathed his last at precisely 1:30 am on Thursday, December 7, 2023, coincidentally on his 80th birthday.
The news of his demise was conveyed by his personal assistant, Atawada Barry Oke, around 2:30 am.
Kokori’s health had taken a downturn on Monday, rendering him unable to engage with those around him, ultimately leading to his reliance on life support. His passing follows a distressing call he made from his sick bed on Thursday, November 9, 2023, highlighting his neglect despite his significant contributions to the country’s democratic growth.
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The octogenarian had been battling a kidney-related ailment, receiving treatment at Mount Horeb Clinic in Warri, Delta State, since early November. On November 9, he lamented the abandonment he felt, citing issues such as the hospital’s air conditioning being turned off, potentially due to a shortage of diesel.
Kokori’s cry for help resonated, drawing attention from prominent figures like Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State. The governor visited Kokori on Friday, November 11, covering not only his medical expenses but also those of two other patients.
Chief Kokori’s legacy as a fiery labour leader, particularly in the early ’90s when he, alongside President Bola Tinubu, confronted the military junta of General Sani Abacha over the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential elections, is indelible.